“And do you have someone lined up to help you after discharge?”
“Just me. But I’ve always gotten by on that.”
Each question chips away at my patience.
She frowns, but she can’t exactly force me to make friends, nor can she wish a family into existence.
“There are things you’ll need help with for a while. We can set up a home health nurse to check on you for the first few days.”
I don’t want anyone in my space.
“I’ll manage.”
Becky snorts at my bedside as if she’s heard that line a thousand times.
“O-okay.” Cleo studies me for a second before nodding once and typing on her tablet. “I’ll note that you declined home health.”
There’s a pause, and I think she expects me to give in, but I just cross my arms.
“One last question, but I’m pretty sure I know the answer.”
“Trust your gut,” I say flatly.
Cleo lifts her head, recoiling slightly, like she’s not sure if she heard me correctly or how to interpret it. She presses her lips into a flat line.
“A lot of people find it helpful to talk to someone after something like this. Is that something you’d wa?—”
She’s barely finished when I answer, “No.”
She flips her tablet over in lap, looking up at me. There’s an annoyance there she doesn’t bother to hide. One I’m sure is reflected in my glare.
“You realize that speaking with a therapist could be a condition of your return to work?”
That wouldn’t surprise me; Carl is always trying to get me to open up.
If he thought I’d agree to it, the man would move me into his house to keep an eye on me.
But that’s how he is with the whole crew. He lives by the motto,family in fire.
For him, that goes beyond just the fire line.
He’s nosey, and overbearing, but he’s been that way since he hired me at eighteen. It took him a while, but he learned the harder he pushes me the more I retreat.
Once, he told me if all he can do is worry from a distance, it’s still better than not caring at all.
“I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. But I’m good.”
She opens her mouth, then thinks better of it, snapping it shut.
Thank fuck.
“Anything else you need from me?”
“No. I think we’re done here.” She clicks the tablet, making the screen go black as she stands.
“Great. I could use some rest.” I doubt I’ll sleep, but I do want the room.
“If you end up needing transitional housing, any of the staff can put you in touch with the care management team.”
